Pipeworks Cold Blooded Cryo Blod of the Unicorn 4Pk

Pipeworks Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn 4Pk is a cryo-hopped red ale from Chicago's Pipeworks Brewing Company, packaged as a 4-pack at 6.4% ABV. Ranked the #12 Red Ale in the World on BeerAdvocate, this expression applies cryogenic hop technology to an already acclaimed recipe, amplifying hop aromatics while preserving the malt-forward backbone that defines the Blood of the Unicorn line.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.4%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Cryo Hopped Red Ale  |  Brewery: Pipeworks Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Pipeworks Brewing Company was founded in Chicago, Illinois, and earned RateBeer's "Best New Brewery" designation in 2012. The Cold Blooded Cryo version of Blood of the Unicorn uses cryogenic hop processing — a technique that separates lupulin glands from hop plant matter at extremely low temperatures, concentrating essential oils and aromatic compounds while reducing vegetal harshness. The result is a more intensely aromatic take on the original Blood of the Unicorn red ale, with heightened hop character layered over the same caramel and bready malt foundation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Toast and light caramel open first, followed by a perfumy wave of peppery citrus and nutty sweetness. The cryo hops contribute concentrated floral and resinous pine notes that sit above the malt without overwhelming it.

Taste: The entry is malt-driven — bready, grainy, with a pronounced caramel and pecan sweetness. At mid-palate, American hop character takes hold with bright orange peel and grapefruit citrus. A grounding earthiness and measured bitterness emerge toward the back, balancing the sweeter malt tones and keeping the beer from leaning too heavy.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering toasted grain and a dry, piney bitterness. The citrus peel echoes softly as the malt gradually recedes.

How to Drink Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn

Pour into a tulip glass or American pint glass at around 45–50°F to let the cryo hop aromatics open fully. This red ale is best enjoyed on its own or alongside food — its balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness makes it a natural companion to grilled and roasted dishes. For a beer cocktail, try a Michelada — the malt backbone holds up well against tomato, lime, and hot sauce. A Radler variation with fresh grapefruit juice amplifies the citrus hop notes. A Snakebite using dry cider adds crispness that contrasts the caramel malt.

Best For

• Red ale enthusiasts exploring cryo hop innovation
• Backyard grilling sessions where hop-forward malt balance pairs with charred meats
• Gifting to a craft beer collector who follows limited Pipeworks releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing the original Blood of the Unicorn against this cryo-hopped version

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn taste like? It leads with bready caramel and pecan malt sweetness, then transitions into bold orange peel, grapefruit, and pine hop flavors with earthy undertones and a moderate bitterness on the close.

How does Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn compare to the original Blood of the Unicorn? The original Blood of the Unicorn uses conventionally processed hops, while the Cold Blooded Cryo version employs cryogenic lupulin technology that concentrates hop oils and aromatics. The cryo version delivers more intense citrus and pine hop character while maintaining the same caramel-forward malt base.

Is Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn good for hop lovers? Yes — the cryo hop process intensifies aromatic hop compounds, making this a strong choice for drinkers who enjoy pronounced citrus and pine hop character but still want meaningful malt complexity beneath it.

Where is Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn made? It is brewed by Pipeworks Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Pipeworks earned RateBeer's "Best New Brewery" award in 2012 and has become one of the most recognized craft breweries in the Midwest.

What foods pair well with Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn? Smoked brisket pairs well with the caramel malt sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts the hop bitterness. Grilled burgers with caramelized onions echo the toasty malt notes. Citrus-glazed salmon mirrors the orange peel and grapefruit character. Pecan pie amplifies the nutty undertones in the base malt.

What sizes does Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn come in? This expression is sold as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard format for Pipeworks specialty releases.

Is Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn worth the price? It positions as a specialty craft release from a highly regarded Chicago brewery, using premium cryo hop processing that adds production cost. For red ale fans and hop enthusiasts, the concentrated aromatics and BeerAdvocate's #12 Red Ale in the World ranking support its place in the upper tier of the style.

Why Cold Blooded Cryo Blood of the Unicorn?

Cryogenic hop processing remains a relatively niche technique in craft brewing, and applying it to an already well-regarded red ale recipe produces a distinctly layered drinking experience. BeerAdvocate's ranking of Blood of the Unicorn as the #12 Red Ale in the World speaks to the strength of the base recipe, while the cryo treatment pushes the hop aromatics further without sacrificing the toasty, caramel malt character that defines the style. Pipeworks has built a reputation on experimental, small-batch releases, and this expression demonstrates why — it takes a proven foundation and refines it with modern hop science. For drinkers who find most red ales too malt-heavy or most IPAs too one-dimensional, this cryo-hopped hybrid occupies compelling middle ground.